Place: Reviews & Ratings

I made my second voyage to Listermann/Triple Digit last weekend to meet up with some friends. We went there last year even though my buddy said he heard it wasn't good. I wanted to try the Nutcase and Chickow! I talked him into it, and it happened to be the release day for barrel aged Chickow! Now it is my buddy's favorite greater Cincinnati area brewery. But I digress.

We met around noon on Friday. The taproom wasn't busy, which is how I like it. The bar has four stools, and there are two or three large picnic tables as far as seating goes. It is a small tasting room. There is a homebrew supply area in the back. I ordered a flight of four beers. The Chickow! on nitro was great. The IPA's were okay. Sometimes a small sample is hard to judge.

Talking with my friends from the area and the bartender I learned that they are in the process of expanding the taproom which is much needed. Twenty people would make this place feel crowded as is.

I do really like the dark beers this place puts out. I am new to the lighter beers from them and will definitely revisit. It will be worth another visit after the renovation is done. (1,139 characters)

Stopped by Listermann's during a Cincy beer visit. The place did not match my expectations. I'd had some really good beers, like Chickow, and was expecting a decent facility. Unfortunately, the quality of the facility does not match the quality of the beers. Good beers in a run down looking place. Parking lot was pure mud on the day I visited. Be sure to wear your boots. Inside was small and bare. Good service, but a really small selection. Not really worth going out of your way to visit. (503 characters)

Small taproom but very nice atmosphere. Good beers on tap and you can buy bottles and growlers to go. Super friendly staff who sit and chat with you while you drink. Very impressed with listermanns. (198 characters)

After an exhaustive investigation into which brewery/breweries I should visit on a recent night in Cincinnati, I settled on the two that were closest to the house I was sleeping in. Seemed to make sense, plus at least one of them had excellent reviews. Neither disappointed.

After a long nine-hourish drive all the way from Chapel Hill, my wife pulled into the tiny side gravel parking lot that provides barely enough room for patrons of Listermann Brewing Company, located right next to the campus of Xavier University. I bet they make a killing during the school year. Hell, I bet they make a killing year-round, because the beers were surprisingly exceptional.

I don't expect much going into a location that used to be primarily a homebrew store. Most of the time some of the local homebrewers have taken up residence and make their own concoctions that taste very much like homebrew. Not so here. Whoever is running the show behind the fermentation tanks really know their shit.

There's a very good selection of varieties, which I would expect from a small and nimble brewpub that doesn't have to satisfy quotas for flagships or mass distribution. The surprising part was the quality across the board. There wasn't a single beer I did not like, and very few of them were uninteresting. Plus, there were three in the double digits ABV-wise, which always makes me smile.

So what was the best of the bunch? Hands down, the peanut butter porter is the way to go. I've had many "peanut butter" beers in my day, and until Listermann, none of them tasted a thing like peanut butter. Not so here, my friend. The taste is so spot-on, I wanted to go ask the bartender for a shot of jelly and a piece of bread. I'd go through some of the other exceptional brews, like an on-point giant Belgian, IPA and others, but I'd end up writing an entire essay.

The only thing this place is missing is a bit more, well, place. There isn't a ton of seating and none of it is very comfortable. They would do well with some outdoor seating, a few cushy chairs or couches, and a bit more of a refined atmosphere. As it is, it would not stop me from coming by on a regular basis. So maybe it doesn't matter in the end. (2,200 characters)

Go to this place all the time to pick up home brew supplies. They are always very helpful when it comes to brewing concerns/what to do. Sell some pretty damn good beer kits as well - still enjoying a barleywine that i brewed from them a year or so ago. They teach some great all-grain classes. had a blast at their starck bier fest (celebration of strong ales) a few months ago. They've got a decent selection of brews, with a tap room sampling triple digit beers as well. They're brewing up a few experimental batches of chickow right now, or so I hear, so if you're in Cincinnati get there! (592 characters)

Good old world renowned Listermann's. Great selection of ingredients - lots of malts, lots of hops, lots of different yeast strains. They've got all the necessary hardware - both to get started and to put a substantial homebrew setup together.

The staff really knows their stuff and, collectively, have a great deal of experience.

Be that as it may, they've got everything you need and at a reasonable price.

Edit (1/17/2012): After voicing some issues with customer service, I was quickly and respectfully contacted by the store. I have great appreciation for an establishment that takes customer feedback seriously and acts in a manner affirming to that customer. Thank you. (680 characters)

A: From the outside it looks seedy, however, the inside is a different story. Right when you enter the scent of malted barley hits your nostrils and makes your mouth water. When you enter the store the first thing that hits your eye is shelves and shelves of products and ingredients.

Q: Every piece of equipment I have bought from this place is durable. I have never run into an issue with anything bought from here. Their kits are exemplary; they come with everything except the bottles.

Serv: Everyone here is extremely helpful. When I first entered the store me and my friend were given a mini crash course on what we would need to begin brewing. They provided helpful answers to questions that to them were proably obvious and were extremely patient with us. I got lucky once and was allowed to see their brewing facility and get a run down on how to do all grain brewing. They also offer classes for a cheap price ($20) and you get the money you paid back in the form of a gift card. Flat out awesome.

Sel: Wide range of products and ingredients. My only complaint is I wish they had more mash and lauter tuns in stock on the premise. This is not a huge problem because they re stock quickly.

V: Slightly pricey, however, every dollar you spend is money well spent. (1,275 characters)

This place is my home away from home! i can spend a few hours just talking to everyone there. great selection of malt extracts, speacialty grains, brewers grains...and some adjuncts. they have pretty much everything to get started with extract stove top, they offer out side burners, 10 gallon pots...keggle converter, draft systems, wort chillers... you name it. also they are a nano brewery with some good beers. the location isnt the best but it is very close to me(greater cincy/nky)if you are a homebrewer within 20-30 miles i suggest you get out there. i prefer to take the trip spend 10 in gas rather than spend 15-20 on shipping and waiting a week for my grains. they also have on site grain crushing for those who do not have a mill.

all in all this place is an a in my book.great people great supplies. (814 characters)

Ok so it looks like Listermann's is on BA in three different places, but from the point of view of homebrewing, these guys are the local standouts. The only way I wouldnt go to them for supplies is if they didnt have something I needed and couldnt wait for them to get it in.

Word to the wise, do not base their inventory off their website. They carry more yeasts, hops, grains, etc. in house than the website/online store lists.

Dan and the crew are happy to help you through any recipe, technique, or answer general questions. They respond by email quickly as well.

Prices are great and very comparable to the online shops plus no shipping fees. Self-serve grain makes it nice to get exactly what you want and be able to mill it on the spot.

Listermann's is a no frills place, located in an old manufacturing plant, where you walk into what looks like an empty old class room, up a couple stairs, past some offices, into the main store. I love that it smells like bourbon barrels when you walk in which turns to more of a grain smell when you get into the store.

I can't believe I've never reviewed this place; I was even featured as homebrewer of the month in the past. This place has everything a homebrewer could home for:

plenty of hop varieties in a temperature controlled room. Many types of dry and liquid suspension yeast. Most any grain with a grain mill for cracking the grain. Bottles, fermentation vessels, kits if you're interested, and even their own brand of beer that's great for trading.

They've also got hop rhizomes in the spring for planting.

In short, this place has everything you need to get into brewing and to continue to do so for many years.

Prices are a bit high on some items (compared to online prices), but it's so damn convenient (10 min.s from my house) that price never factors into my decision. (770 characters)

So I'm relatively new to homebrewing, have done most of my shopping on-line, haven't visited that many brewshops, and the one's I have been to aren't legends of the hobby...for example I haven't driven up to St. Paul to go to the Northern Brewer store. With those qualifications, I will say that this is the single most impressive homebrew shop I've yet seen!

This shop (like all homebrew shops) is in a low-rent part of town. This one is in an old warehouse in the process of remodeling. There is a seating area downstairs...looks like the local homebrew club meets here.

Upstairs is a shop entirely dedicated to homebrewing. A very good selection of yeast and hops (each in their own cooler) and a few beers in a cooler (but selling other people's beer obviously isn't their focus). The really bright spots here are equipment (they've got quite a bit) and grain...they have a very good selection.

Like beer, homebrew supplies are perishable, and this place seemed to get a lot of traffic...makes you feel good about buying stuff from here.

I chatted with the sales staff...the owner gave me a card and offered to order stuff for me. I emailed him yesterday to see what kind of deal I could get on bulk extract, but I haven't heard back yet.

Now I was none to sure I had the right place here, and actually passed it up twice before I finally saw the sign on the roof (see picture). Not the greatest part of the city that I saw on my trip, but thats fine, no worries. I pulled into the little parking lot across the street by the railroad tracks and walked across to go in. This has got to be one of the most expansive stores I have seen. Now I am relatively new to the whole homebrew scene, but this place seemed to have it all. The stores by me have no where near the ingredients they had here, and I just was amazed and did not even know where to begin. I browsed through their kits and was equally amazed. The staff was beyond friendly and easy to deal with. I spent a good 30 mins there just getting tips and tricks for what I was going to start doing when I get home. Overall this was definitely a quality stop, but you need to know what you are looking for. The place honestly looks abandoned from the road. Just look for the sign on the roof, and if you get to Xavier College, you went way too far. (1,065 characters)

I've been brewing for about three years now, and have always found what i've needed here. The staff isn't overly attentive but will gladly help out with any questions you may have. I started out with their extract brews. I've just started all-grain brewing, and there is quite the selection in the self-serve grain area. I've had no problem finding the yeast strains and hops I've needed. Their prices seem very reasonable, and its always a fun trip. It's in a rough neighborhood, but who needs a great location when you've got such a great store? They've got a wine tasting / selling area as well, but I've never made my way in there. (635 characters)

WOW! I was like a kid in a candy store! I LOVE Listermann's. I wasn't quite sure that I had the right place. The building is an old (early 1900's)... looks like an old garage with an warehouse attached. Kind of a cool old building! I walked in the door and it looked like I was in the break room... actually a place where they hold meetings for beer enthusiasts!

The staff was VERY helpful... as I am a complete NEWBIE. I was just looking to score the basic starter kit so that I could brew my first batch of beer. Everything was right there at my fingertips. They gave me all the time I wanted to just browse around and take it all in.

The prices were very reasonable. I will be using Listermann's for virtually ALL my homebrewing needs. GREAT PLACE... I feel fortunate to live in an area with such a great resource! (824 characters)

This is by far the best and greatest homebrew store I have ever been in. The selection of good there is simply amazing. This store has everything you could possibly need to brew beer. They had a wide variey of malt extract in both syrup and dry form, they also had the largest selection of grain I have ever seen. I was surprised with the way they handled the grain. At other stores I visit I usually see the grain stored in plastic containers with flip open lids. At Listerman the grain was sealed inside of buckets. It made me feel more secure about the quality of the ingredients. Hops and Yeast were also properly stored. The service was very friendly and helpful. This is a store that should not be passed up if you're a homebrewer. (737 characters)

Listermann's is undoubtedly the best homebrew shop that I had ever visited. Located in a light industrial area just outside of Downtown, the place has a demeaner of a lawnmower repair shop. Perfect for a do-it-yourself equipment maker and seller. Dan Listermann has anything that you would want for homebrewing except for very specialized items. They have a lot of ingredients that are very fresh and reliable. Dan works very hard to make homebrewing less daunting, more enjoyable, and much more flavorful. His homebrew shop proves it with all types of equipment and contraptions on display and his pre-assembled ingredient kits. He has everything from brewing and mashing equipment to great literature, kegging equipment, cheese making capabilities, and a huge assortment of grains. They offer great on-line ordering options with timely arivals and attentive technical service over the phone. This guy has dedicated his profession to us homebrewers and it shows through his work. Keep up the good work Dan. (1,007 characters)

The primary source for home brewing fanatics in the city and surrounding area. From novice to seasoned brewer, they have the setup to fit your ambition. The store is neatly organized and the staff is friendly, knowledgeable and passionate about their jobs. Dave is an experienced homebrewer and can give tips and problem fixes to help you.

I bought a few some Cascade rhizomes a week or two ago, they're already sprouting! We're fortunate to have Dan in town, stop by and see him and his shop if you cruise near downtown. (524 characters)

I can't believe that I've never rated Listermann's. I've been using their shop for a long time now. Dan Listermann runs a nice place here. It's actually somewhat of a hole in the wall as far as location and premesis, but the quality is superb. They carry a large supply of homebrewing equipment and ingredients. I use their online shop more than in-store, because the location is about 90 miles from my home. Usually, I will receive my internet order next day, plus they ship free if you buy more than $35. The staff is extremely knowledgeable and willing to help even over the phone with any quesiton you might have - even if it's about something you're brewing right now. They have suggestions. Great shop. (708 characters)

Listermann's is one badass homebrew shop. You can find about everything that you are looking for, and the staff is more than willing to help you with whatever you need. You can buy any and all brewing equipment, from the extract brewers to the hardcore all grain and keg applications. They also have a great selection of ingredients, and their ingredient kits are top notch. They also have a good amount of equipment that is made on site, which is great because it is always available. You can also visit them online to order anything they have in the store. I have visited the store, and ordered from them online, and been very satisfied both ways. If you want to venture into homebrewing, or are just wanting to pick up some extra ingredients/equipment, this is the place to go around Cincinnati. (798 characters)

This is simply a "must see" store for Ohio homebrewers. The owner/operator is very helpful and knowledgeable. If you can't learn to brew beer here, you don't need to be doing it. Everything from kits to grinding for your choice of grains. This is a top spot for beer lovers. Lots of books - everything from fun brewing to textbooks. Tons of brewing equipment. Please visit and talk with the beer-loving owner. (409 characters)

I have ordered 2 extract kits from here, and both arrived very quickly. Both used fresh ingredients and turned out great. I would recommend these guys without any hesitation. They also have a great selection of stuff for all grain brewers. I have dealt with them through the web, and over the phone, both times I had very good experiences. (339 characters)